Short Course Training on a Quality Management System for Pathologists, Trainees, and Histotechnologists During the African Pathology Assembly

Abstract

Objectives Provide quality management training in anatomic pathology so that slides are of adequate quality and can be interpreted. Methods During the first African Pathology Assembly, we performed a needs assessment and knowledge quizzes, then presented 4 modules of the quality management system (personnel management, process control, sample management, and equipment) that are used to train quality in vertical programs by the World Health Organization. Results Participants included 14 (34%) trainees, 14 (34%) pathologists, and 9 (22%) technologists from South Africa (11), Nigeria (6), Tanzania (4), and other countries (18). Thirty (73%) participants took the course because they had interest in the topic while 6 (15%) did it because it was recommended by a supervisor. Most participants thought that the quality of slides was medium to high in their institution and that clinicians trust results. The most frequent quality issues cited included problems from processing to staining, long turnaround times, and preanalytical issues (fixation, lack of clinical history). The average result of the knowledge quiz was 6.7 (range, 2-10) before (38 participants) the course and 8.3 (range, 5-10) after (30 participants) the course. Conclusions This assessment suggests there is a need for quality management courses in pathology in Africa.